Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology Physics: General Physics: Optics
Published

A new study highlights potential of ultrafast laser processing for next-gen devices      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study uncovers the remarkable potential of ultrafast lasers that could provide innovative solutions in 2D materials processing for many technology developers such as high-speed photodetectors, flexible electronics, biohybrids, and next-generation solar cells.

Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Physics: Optics
Published

An optical lens that senses gas      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A research team has developed a small optical lens, only a few millimeters in size, whose refractive behavior changes in the presence of gas. This 'intelligent' behavior of the micro-lens is enabled by the hybrid glass material from which it is made. The molecular structure of the lens consists of a three-dimensional lattice with cavities that can accommodate gas molecules, thereby affecting the optical properties of the material.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Ecology: Sea Life Environmental: General Geoscience: Geochemistry
Published

Towards non-toxic antifouling agents: A novel method for total synthesis of scabrolide F      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Norcembranolide diterpenes, isolated from the soft corals of the genus Sinularia, are important compounds for the development of new drugs, owing to their diverse biological activities. However, total synthesis methods for these compounds are scarce. Now, a team of researchers has achieved the total synthesis of scabrolide F, a norcembranolide diterpene. They also revealed its non-toxic antifouling properties. This novel method can lead to the development of new drugs and antifouling agents.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Microbiology
Published

Biting flies on dairy farms can spread bovine mastitis      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study identified biting flies as reservoirs of bacteria that cause bovine mastitis on dairy farms.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: General Biology: Microbiology Chemistry: Biochemistry Physics: Optics
Published

Light-weight microscope captures large-scale brain activity of mice on the move      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

With a new microscope that's as light as a penny, researchers can now observe broad swaths of the brain in action as mice move about and interact with their environments.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Developmental Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology Biology: Molecular
Published

Zebrafish reveal how bioelectricity shapes muscle development      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

New research describes how nerve cells and muscle cells communicate through electrical signals during development -- a phenomenon known as bioelectricity. The communication, which takes place via specialized channels between cells, is vital for proper development and behavior. The study identifies specific genes that control the process, and pins down what happens when it goes wrong. The finding offers clues to the genetic origins of muscle disorders in humans.

Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Developmental Biology: Evolutionary Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology Biology: Molecular
Published

Discovery of vast sex differences in cellular activity has major implications for disease treatment      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The study reveals vast differences in gene activity within the mitochondria of males compared to females. This is the first study to test effects of all 37 genes in the mitochondrial genome -- genes that copepods and humans share. The study found that males demonstrate more activity across all protein-coding mitochondrial genes than females. Although the study looks at tiny marine organisms called copepods, the findings have weighty implications for human medicine.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Microbiology Chemistry: Biochemistry
Published

3D-printed chip sensor detects foodborne pathogens for safer products      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have developed a new method for detecting foodborne pathogens that is faster, cheaper, and more effective than existing methods. Their microfluidic chip uses light to detect multiple types of pathogens simultaneously and is created using 3D printing, making it easy to fabricate in large amounts and modify to target specific pathogens. The researchers hope their technique can improve screening processes and keep contaminated food out of the hands of consumers.

Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Microbiology
Published

Should you eat more dietary fiber? New study says it depends      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Nutritionists generally advise everyone to eat more dietary fiber, but a new study suggests that its effects on health can vary from person to person. The findings indicate that recommendations should be tailored to each individual's gut microbiome.

Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Microbiology Biology: Molecular
Published

Myths about intermittent fasting, debunked      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Research shows that the increasingly popular weight-loss strategy is safe. Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular way to lose weight without counting calories. And a large body of research has shown it s safe. Still, several myths about fasting have gained traction.

Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Physics: General Physics: Optics
Published

Novel application of optical tweezers: Colorfully showing molecular energy transfer      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Using a novel non-contact approach, a research team has successfully controlled the speed and efficiency of Forster resonance energy transfer between fluorescent molecules by varying the intensity of a laser beam.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Developmental Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology Biology: Molecular
Published

How cells boost gene expression      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The function of non-coding RNA in the cell has long been a mystery to researchers. Unlike coding RNA, non-coding RNA does not produce proteins -- yet it exists in large quantities. A research team has now discovered an important function of antisense RNA (asRNA): the researchers found that asRNA acts as a 'superhighway' in cell transport and thus accelerates gene expression.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Microbiology
Published

Simple test for flu could improve diagnosis and surveillance      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Fewer than one percent of people who get the flu every year get tested, in part because most tests require trained personnel and expensive equipment. Now researchers have developed a low-cost paper strip test that could allow more patients to find out which type of flu they have and get the right treatment. The test uses CRISPR to distinguish between the two main types of seasonal flu, influenza A and B, as well as seasonal flu subtypes H1N1 and H3N2. It can also identify strains that resist antiviral treatment, and with further work, could potentially detect swine and avian flu strains, including H5N1, which is currently infecting cattle.

Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry
Published

Novel catalysts for improved methanol production using carbon dioxide dehydrogenation      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Encapsulating copper nanoparticles within hydrophobic porous silicate crystals has been shown to significantly enhance the catalytic activity of copper-zinc oxide catalysts used in methanol synthesis via CO2 hydrogenation. The innovative encapsulation structure effectively inhibits the thermal aggregation of copper particles, leading to enhanced hydrogenation activity and increased methanol production. This breakthrough paves the way for more efficient methanol synthesis from CO2.

Biology: Microbiology
Published

Cannabis use tied to increased risk of severe COVID-19      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study shows that people with COVID-19 who used cannabis were more likely to be hospitalized and require intensive care than those who did not use the drug.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Developmental Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology
Published

How to make aging a 'fairer game' for all wormkind      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have discovered a new fundamental mechanism governing the rules of ageing in worms. The researchers were able to manipulate the mechanism through genetic interventions which dramatically extend not just the lifespan of the worms, but also their health-span. In other words, trading weak, frail old age with vigorous golden years -- all without altering their diet, environment or other external factors.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology Ecology: Animals
Published

Wild yeasts from Patagonia could yield new flavors of lagers      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

New strains of yeast for brewing lager beers, created by hybridizing wild strains of yeast from Patagonia with brewer's yeast, can yield novel flavors and aromas, researchers report.